NDLEA Busts Trans-Border Drug Cartel, Arrests 4 Members in Onitsha, Keffi

Recovers Multi-Million-Naira Opioids from Sienna Bus Bumper, Meth in Auto Spare Part, and Other Drugs in Anambra, Cross River, Nasarawa, Taraba, Ekiti, Lagos

NDLEA Cracks Down on International Drug Syndicate

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully dismantled a trans-border drug trafficking network, arresting four key members in coordinated operations across Onitsha, Anambra State, and Keffi, Nasarawa State. The sting operations, which followed weeks of intelligence gathering, resulted in the interception of two Sienna buses used for smuggling large consignments of tramadol.

According to NDLEA sources, the first operation took place on January 27, 2025, along the Nasarawa-Toto Road in Keffi. A Sienna bus with the registration number ABJ 452 HG was stopped, and two individuals, Zahradeen Adamu (27) and Abubakar Usman (44), were arrested while attempting to transport illicit drugs from Onitsha to Yola, Adamawa State. A second Sienna bus, driven by Abba Usman (48), was also intercepted in the same operation.

Upon searching the vehicles, NDLEA operatives discovered 190,960 tramadol pills ingeniously hidden inside steel compartments behind the bumper and spare tire compartments. Further investigations led to the identification and subsequent arrest of Kingsley Mbaeri, the Onitsha-based supplier, at his Uga Street residence. The agency also seized two vehicles from his home—a Toyota Corolla (FGG 948 MF) and a Toyota Sienna (GWA 23 HH)—believed to have been used for drug distribution.

Multi-State Interdictions Uncover More Illicit Drugs

Beyond Onitsha and Keffi, NDLEA intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking networks across multiple states. On February 4, 2025, at the Abaji checkpoint in Abuja, operatives intercepted a commercial bus coming from Onitsha. One of the passengers, Chimezie Henry Ojingwa (32), was found carrying 404.47 grams of methamphetamine, 506.49 grams of Loud (a synthetic cannabis strain), and 262.32 grams of dimethyl sulfone, a precursor chemical used in meth production. These substances were cleverly concealed in automobile spare parts inside his black travel bag.

In another operation, NDLEA officers in Cross River State intercepted a truck along the Ogoja-Abakaliki Road in Yahe on February 13, 2025. The truck, driven by Paul Chukwudi (31), was found carrying 170,000 tramadol pills destined for illegal distribution.

At the Apapa Seaport in Lagos, NDLEA officers made a significant seizure on February 11, 2025, recovering 85,400 bottles of codeine-based syrup hidden inside a shipping container from India. This bust is part of ongoing efforts to curb the importation of controlled substances, which have fueled drug abuse in Nigeria.

More Arrests and Drug Seizures in Borno, Ekiti, Taraba, and Lagos

The NDLEA’s anti-drug efforts extended to Borno, Ekiti, Taraba, and Lagos States, leading to additional arrests and major drug recoveries. On February 14, 2025, in Maiduguri, Borno State, two suspects, Halilu Isa and Gambo Umaru, were caught with 60 compressed blocks of skunk (a high-potency cannabis strain) weighing 72kg.

Similarly, in Ekiti State, NDLEA operatives raided a notorious drug joint at Iloda Street, Ikole-Ekiti, on February 11, 2025. The raid led to the arrest of three suspected drug dealers: Bala Muhammed (57), Yahaya Adamu (55), and Abdullahi Shehu (30). The agency confiscated 83kg of skunk from the location, disrupting a major local distribution network.

Meanwhile, in Lagos, a 28-year-old woman, Samiat Olabisi Yussuf, was apprehended at her Lekki residence on February 15, 2025. Authorities found 169.5 liters of nitrous oxide (commonly known as laughing gas) and 111 grams of Loud in her possession. Further south in Taraba State, two suspects—Ibrahim Usman (40) and Solomon James (40)—were arrested with 132.84kg of skunk. Usman was found carrying 88kg of Arizona and Ghana Loud in Wukari, while James was caught with 44.84kg of the same substances in Takanaba, Sabongari, Jalingo LGA.

NDLEA Expands Anti-Drug Advocacy Through WADA Campaign

Beyond enforcement operations, NDLEA has been intensifying its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign to curb drug misuse at the grassroots level. The campaign included a series of sensitization programs targeting students, professionals, and traditional institutions.

During the past week, WADA lectures were delivered at Government Technical College, Oku, Akwa Ibom; Future Leaders Academy, Kishi, Oyo State; Government Secondary School, Bashire, Sokoto; and Ehere Comprehensive School, Ogbor Hill, Abia. In Jigawa State, students at Government Day Secondary School, Taura received drug education, while in Ekiti State, NDLEA officers sensitized students at Jesuit College, Agbado Ekiti.

The campaign also reached married women in purdah at Markaz Umar Bn Khattab Centre, Kano, demonstrating NDLEA’s commitment to raising awareness across all demographics.

NDLEA Chairman Applauds Officers, Calls for Sustained Vigilance

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has commended the officers involved in these high-profile arrests and drug seizures. He specifically praised the Directorate of Intelligence, as well as the Apapa, Cross River, Borno, Ekiti, Taraba, and Lagos Commands, for their dedication and effective execution of operations.

Marwa reaffirmed NDLEA’s commitment to eradicating drug-related crimes in Nigeria, urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. He emphasized that the fight against drug trafficking requires collective responsibility, and the agency will continue to intensify its enforcement, intelligence gathering, and public awareness campaigns to combat the menace.

With these latest busts, NDLEA has once again demonstrated its relentless efforts in disrupting the supply chains of illicit drugs, ensuring that Nigeria remains hostile territory for drug traffickers.